Capsule-filler



(No Model.)

S. E. HEINEMAN.

CAPSULE FILLER. No. 395,138. Patented Dec. 25, 1888.

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NlTED STATES SOLOMON E. HEINEMAN, OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

CAPSU LE FlLLER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 395,138, dated December 25, 1888. Application filed October 30, 1888. Serial No. 289,546. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, SOLOMON E. I'IEINEMAN, a citizen of the United Stat-es, residing at Detroit, county of Wayne, State of Michigan, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Capsule-Fillers; and I declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the same, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

My invention has for its object to provide a device for filling capsules which shall be simpler and more rapid in its operation than has heretofore been produced.

My device is also adapted for use by the druggists and those outside of the factory for filling what are termed empty eapsules that is, capsules having telescoping parts, which are sent empty from the factory and are filled by druggists and others at will.

In the drawings, Figure 1. is a side elevation of my invention with the piston in its uppermost position. Fig. 2 is a sectional view with the piston in its lowermost position, and Fig. 3 is a section embodying a variation.

In the above drawings, A represents the main shank orcylinderof my filler, which, for convenience, is preferably made cylindrical, although I do not limit myself to thisparticular shape. This shank A is bored longitudinally to receive the piston B, which works up an d down in the shank. The piston l3 isheld at its uppermost position with respect to the shank by the spring C. The boring of the shank A may be enlarged to receive this spring; or, as shown in Fig. 1, the shank A may be provided with the longitudinal slot (1-. Adjustably engaged to the piston B is the shoulder I). This shoulder, being engaged to the piston, may receive one end of the spring C, and by providing the shoulder with a setscrew,d, it may be adjusted to a higher or lower position, and thus limit the play of the piston to the desired extent and leave more or less of a cavity at the lower end of the shank for the reception of the filling for the capsule.

It will be observed that when the piston B is at its uppermost position the lower end I) is above the lower end a of the shank A, thus leaving the cavity a whereas when the piston is forced down by pressure this lower lower end I) is flush with or below the end of the shank. n

The operation of the device will. now be understood. The operator takes the device with the piston 1% at its uppermost position, held there by the spring C, and dips the lower end in to the preparationsay, for instance, a powder with which it is desired to fill the capsule. Just so much of the powder will enter the cav ity a in the shank as can get in below the piston, and the size of the cavity (1 can be regulated by the position of the shoulder on the piston. The end ct of the shank is then 111- troduced either into or adjacent to the top of the capsule, the piston pressed down, and the powder forced out into the capsule.

For use in the filling of empty capsules by druggists, &c., the lower end of the shank a. may be broadened and slightly hollowed out, as shown in Fig. :3, and the end of the capsule held against this broadened surface while the preparation is discharged. If desired, the shank A may at o be threaded and the lower end be made detachable, so that a tip with either a broad or narrow surface may be screwed thereon. The piston l3 maybe, if desired, provided with a broadened top, Z), to form a cap and to permit the operator to more easily apply the pressure necessary to force the piston down.

I have herein shown but a single filler; but it is evident that my in\' ntion would cont-emplate a number of thedevices arranged in a frame-work, as would probably be the casein factories where a large number of the capsules are prepared. So, also, I have described the device as being applicable as a capsulefiller; but it is evident that it might be put to a variety of uses.

The piston B may, if it is found desirable,

be provided with a graduated scale on its surface to indicate at which position on the piston the shoulder D is to be located in order to adapt the cavity at the lower end of the shank to receive a certain amount of the filling.

I have described the shoulder D as the means whereby the play of. the piston is regulated; but it is evident that myinvention would embrace any other meansas, for instance, the piston might be provided with transverse orifices and a pin inserted therein.

The location of the spring is not essential, since it might also be placed between the cap h of the piston and the top of the shank or cylinder A.

Any suitable means for preventing the shank A from slipping in the grasp may be provided, as, for instance, the two opposite sides of the shank may be roughened with diagonal grooves, as shown at E.

hat I claim is- 1. In a capsule-filler, the combination, with a shank. or cylinder provided with an interior cavity at its lower end for the direct reception of the capsule filling, and a piston working longitudinally in said cylinder and adapted to regulate the size of said cavity and force said filling out of the said cavity when desired, of a spring adapted to keep said piston at its uppermost position, except when pressure is applied, and means for regulating the play of said piston, substantially as described.

2. 111 a capsule-filler, the combination, with the shank or cylinder A, provided with the interior cavity, a and longitudinal slot at, of the piston B, provided with the cap I) and adjustable shoulder D to limit the play of the piston, and the spring 0, adapted to keep the piston at its uppermost position, except when pressure is applied thereto, substantially as described.

A capsule-filler consisting of a shank or cylinder and a spring-retracted piston moving therein, said shank having its end that receives the capsule-filling material detachable for varying the size of the tip when desired, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I sign this specification in the presence of two witnesses.

SOLOMON E. HEINEMAN;

\V itnesses:

M. B. ODoernnrrv, F. FALKINER. 

